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The Business of Being a Writer
Writers talk about their work in many ways: as an art, as a calling, as a lifestyle. Too often missing from these conversations is the fact that writing is also a business. The reality is, those who want to make a full- or part-time job out of writing are going to have a more positive and productive career if they understand the basic business principles underlying the industry.
The Business of Being a Writer offers the business education writers need but so rarely receive. It is meant for early-career writers looking to develop a realistic set of expectations about making money from their work or for working writers who want a better understanding of the industry. Writers will gain a comprehensive picture of how the publishing world works—from queries and agents to blogging and advertising—and will learn how they can best position themselves for success over the long term.
The Business of Being a Writer offers the business education writers need but so rarely receive. It is meant for early-career writers looking to develop a realistic set of expectations about making money from their work or for working writers who want a better understanding of the industry. Writers will gain a comprehensive picture of how the publishing world works—from queries and agents to blogging and advertising—and will learn how they can best position themselves for success over the long term.
313 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2018
338 people are currently reading
2422 people want to read
About the author
Jane Friedman
10 books1,887 followersI've worked for 25 years in the publishing industry and have a special interest in how the digital age is transforming writing careers, publishing, and storytelling. Rather than taking a dark view of how the Internet era has affected writers' livelihoods, I'm more interested in how revolutionary change can inspire new business models, and how authorship will ultimately evolve. I believe history is on the writers' side: they've been sustaining their careers in ever more innovative ways since the era of Gutenberg. Furthermore, I don't think that business and art must be at odds—I believe they can inform and push each other to flourish.
I sit at the intersection of several communities, which gives me a 360-degree view of the changes now shaping writing and publishing. People working inside the industry see me as an expert in digital and self-publishing, while independent authors see me as a traditional publishing figure. The university and MFA community see me as very commercially minded, while the business people see me as literary and academic. I would have it no other way; I prefer to serve as a bridge.
I earn my living as a freelancer, and my income is driven largely by my own writing and teaching, as well as consulting services for writers. Thus, I consider my interests to be aligned with writers' interests.
Find out more (including the resume detail) at JaneFriedman.com
I sit at the intersection of several communities, which gives me a 360-degree view of the changes now shaping writing and publishing. People working inside the industry see me as an expert in digital and self-publishing, while independent authors see me as a traditional publishing figure. The university and MFA community see me as very commercially minded, while the business people see me as literary and academic. I would have it no other way; I prefer to serve as a bridge.
I earn my living as a freelancer, and my income is driven largely by my own writing and teaching, as well as consulting services for writers. Thus, I consider my interests to be aligned with writers' interests.
Find out more (including the resume detail) at JaneFriedman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
September 18, 2019
T.h.e. B.o.o.k. This is the most up-to-date realistic book on self-publishing -- as well as traditional publishing -- that I have yet to find.
March 21, 2018
I read a lot of self-help and inspirational books, and writing advice (heck, I write some). Most of it is the "Woohoo! You can do this!" type necessary to psyching yourself up to do the difficult business of wrangling words and sharing them.
This book is not one of those books.
This book is your older, wiser, best friend who loves you, and sits you down to say,
That's the kind of book this is.
It is thoroughly up-to-date and written by someone who has been in and around the writing business for more than 20 years. (This will seem impossible when you bump into her at a writers' conference, but it's true. I know, because I've been following her career for much of that time.)
This is the new, state-of-the-art bible for anyone thinking about writing for a living. It should be required reading for anyone who wants to make fiction a part of that business. (Spoiler Alert: you can, but it probably won't earn you all your money.)
There's likely more information in here than you need right now, but dip in, root around, see what excites you and what you might be willing to try. As you build your business you might need to add a new string to your bow. (Content Marketing? Crowdfunding? Creating an author website?)
When you do, this book will be waiting for you, full of good advice and an encouraging squeeze.
This book is not one of those books.
This book is your older, wiser, best friend who loves you, and sits you down to say,
Girl, I believe you can do it if you want to--you know I do. But first, let me show you what 'it' really looks like...
OK, now are you sure you still want in? Yes? Well in that case... [Smiles spreads over her face. Eyes light up]
Let me tell you how to do this part, then that part and oh! Here's something you might not even have thought about...and if you're going to do that, here's how not to screw it up...
That's the kind of book this is.
It is thoroughly up-to-date and written by someone who has been in and around the writing business for more than 20 years. (This will seem impossible when you bump into her at a writers' conference, but it's true. I know, because I've been following her career for much of that time.)
This is the new, state-of-the-art bible for anyone thinking about writing for a living. It should be required reading for anyone who wants to make fiction a part of that business. (Spoiler Alert: you can, but it probably won't earn you all your money.)
There's likely more information in here than you need right now, but dip in, root around, see what excites you and what you might be willing to try. As you build your business you might need to add a new string to your bow. (Content Marketing? Crowdfunding? Creating an author website?)
When you do, this book will be waiting for you, full of good advice and an encouraging squeeze.
March 18, 2019
I can't recommend this book enough for anyone who is interested in getting their book or article published, or making a living of any kind from their writing.
I've been following Jane Friedman's Blog, and have been on her Electric Speed and (with Porter Anderson) HotSheet newsletters for years. Deeply knowledgeable about the industry, candid and down-to-earth, her perspective and advise earned my trust and confidence early on.
Again, highly recommended.
I've been following Jane Friedman's Blog, and have been on her Electric Speed and (with Porter Anderson) HotSheet newsletters for years. Deeply knowledgeable about the industry, candid and down-to-earth, her perspective and advise earned my trust and confidence early on.
Again, highly recommended.
April 12, 2019
Hands down the best, most comprehensive guide to creating a writing life. Jane Friedman, whose blog is a must-follow for writers, covers the full spectrum of a writing career, from building a platform, to creating a writing life, freelancing, and the publishing industry. I will return to this reference time and again, as a refresher course in marketing and promoting my creative writing, in gaining insights in developing a career as a freelance content writer and editor, and in working with clients as a book coach and story editor, and writing teacher. Jane is my hero!!
February 28, 2018
Superb overview. Keep an eye out for the supplemental resources that will be added around publication to the companion website at https://businessofwriting.org/supplem....
September 27, 2019
I was going to say that I could have used a book like this 30 years ago, but I probably would not have read it then because I had naive and dreamy ideas about art and talent and how much room there was in the marketplace for writers to actually make a good living writing poetry and novels! (deep, heavy sigh here with a trail of sad, rye laughter).
This is an important 21st century reference guide for writers. I chose to read it from start to finish only because it was on loan from the library [and I had to keep renewing it]. If I owned it I could pick it up to consult whenever I need to understand things like "The Art of Career Building," "Trade Book Publishing," "Online and Digital Media," ""Book Queries and Synopses," "Turning Attention into Sales," or "Pursuing a Publishing Career." Jane Friedman covers these - as well as 25 more topics of concern that someone who thinks they want to write for a living ought consider.
This is an important 21st century reference guide for writers. I chose to read it from start to finish only because it was on loan from the library [and I had to keep renewing it]. If I owned it I could pick it up to consult whenever I need to understand things like "The Art of Career Building," "Trade Book Publishing," "Online and Digital Media," ""Book Queries and Synopses," "Turning Attention into Sales," or "Pursuing a Publishing Career." Jane Friedman covers these - as well as 25 more topics of concern that someone who thinks they want to write for a living ought consider.
August 22, 2019
I’m using this text in a graduate class I’m teaching on Literary Publishing. Why didn’t I have this book 20 years ago!? Such a great reference.
November 14, 2019
BEST book on the business of writing out there and Jane's website is a national treasure of information for all writers.
June 2, 2022
Great book for writers wanting to learn more of the business side of writing! A lot of valuable as well as helpful information. One I highly recommend!
January 28, 2019
Wow! Very thorough, well-informed journey through the business of writing. Jane Friedman is incredibly matter-of-fact in her insights and advice to wannabe professional writers and I found myself folding many page corners as a reminder to return later to review.
In addition to her clear-eyed approach to “making it” as a writer, Friedman also speaks openly about the tenacity required to pursue this path. I loved her chapters that discussed rejection and highlighted a few passages that I found applied not just to my writing aspirations, but my current career as well.
I would suggest this as a must-read for anyone serious about a writing career.
In addition to her clear-eyed approach to “making it” as a writer, Friedman also speaks openly about the tenacity required to pursue this path. I loved her chapters that discussed rejection and highlighted a few passages that I found applied not just to my writing aspirations, but my current career as well.
I would suggest this as a must-read for anyone serious about a writing career.
January 2, 2019
A little redundant in places for anybody who already has a foot in the industry, but a great resource for anyone who’s truly new to publishing and writing as a job. Friedman does vital work debunking stubborn myths about creative careers and telling unpleasant truths about the way the business works.
July 7, 2021
Very useful insights from publishing expert.
Review đầy đủ hơn: http://hanguyetlinh.com/5-cuon-sach-g...
Review đầy đủ hơn: http://hanguyetlinh.com/5-cuon-sach-g...
May 10, 2019
Worth Every Penny! Get This Book!
I learned so much from this book! It really lays down in detail the different paths writers use/can use to make money. It also gives a great foundation for understanding how publishing works nowadays. I didn't know, for example, that Medium isn't making money or how Slate and Salon operate. The book talks in detail about the business of publishing and how it's changing and what it means..... It was sobering to read it. It's very hard for writers to make it all work (most writers don't make money from their books alone) So, there's a realism here that felt disillusioning to me at first. But I think knowing what your chances are at "making it" as a writer, what it takes, and the fact that you need to really think about multiple income streams is, in the end, very helpful. I learned too many things to write down. This is a very helpful guide, and if you want to be a writer (whether you are considering an MFA or have already written your first book or are a high school student thinking about what it means to be a working writer), this is an eye-opening book. It's a pragmatic guide that tells you about ground realities and also suggests ways that you can maneuver around them. Highly recommend to all writers!
I learned so much from this book! It really lays down in detail the different paths writers use/can use to make money. It also gives a great foundation for understanding how publishing works nowadays. I didn't know, for example, that Medium isn't making money or how Slate and Salon operate. The book talks in detail about the business of publishing and how it's changing and what it means..... It was sobering to read it. It's very hard for writers to make it all work (most writers don't make money from their books alone) So, there's a realism here that felt disillusioning to me at first. But I think knowing what your chances are at "making it" as a writer, what it takes, and the fact that you need to really think about multiple income streams is, in the end, very helpful. I learned too many things to write down. This is a very helpful guide, and if you want to be a writer (whether you are considering an MFA or have already written your first book or are a high school student thinking about what it means to be a working writer), this is an eye-opening book. It's a pragmatic guide that tells you about ground realities and also suggests ways that you can maneuver around them. Highly recommend to all writers!
July 12, 2018
This book is chock full of detailed and valuable information about the world of publishing. My one word of warning is that the book seems to lean toward writers who want to make a career of writing literary fiction rather than genre fiction or how-to books, and those who wish to be published by traditional publishers rather than self-publishing. I felt the book constantly portrays self-publishing as a very hard road, to be attempted only by the most sturdy of writers. Yes, self-publishing requires you to take on a lot of non-writing roles, but so does traditional publishing. In exchange you don't need to convince an agent to convince an editor to sell your book; you need only convince readers to buy and read your book.
With that warning out of the way, I recommend this book: much of what it says about pitching to agents or editors can help the self-published writer market their book; certainly all the parts about building your Platform and using social media are highly relevant to those who wish to self-publish.
I found almost everything in the book useful, in one way or another. My copy is seriously dog-eared and underlined after just one read.
With that warning out of the way, I recommend this book: much of what it says about pitching to agents or editors can help the self-published writer market their book; certainly all the parts about building your Platform and using social media are highly relevant to those who wish to self-publish.
I found almost everything in the book useful, in one way or another. My copy is seriously dog-eared and underlined after just one read.
February 5, 2020
This book focuses on expectations that you might have for yourself or that others will place on you in your career as a writer. Like most business books it is more interested in helping you navigate the industry as it is, not feed into your doubts about the industry's model. At times this annoyed me. However, since much of what is out there about careers as a writer (or academic) emphasizes the tragedies of the current model, it was refreshing to get more of the details about pitching and contracts etc. At the same time, the book is grown-up enough to let you decide what you don't like or would want to change yourself rather than hectoring you about commercial viability.
May 2, 2018
Jane Friedman is a well known and respected authority on all things writing - and her new book is proof. While I borrowed it from the library, I will now order a copy from my favorite independent bookstore and keep it handy for reference. Whether you are a blogger, novelist, freelancer or non-fiction writer, Friedman's book will help you get published, stay published, and grow your business. Writers who refuse to acknowledge and participate in the business side of authorship need to think again - and read a copy of this book.
July 6, 2018
Great overview of the business side of the occupation of writing.
September 7, 2019
I never read these type of books. This time, with that old familiar feeling surrounding my recent book--which pretty much TOOK EVERY SINGLE IMPORTANT PART OF ME AND MY INCONSEQUENTIAL LIFE TO WRITE, NEARLY KILLING ME IN THE PROCESS--flatlining in terms of both sales and expectations, I reticently turned to an expert: Jane Friedman.
Even I've heard of her!
She's this writing/publishing guru with columns in great journals and lectures on getting a life and organizations she's founded and sites for writer-types to visit and books that she's written and savvy to demonstrate . . . you get the picture.
True, I only just became aware of this book: The Business of Being A Writer. It's too bad for me that I didn't read this before the publication of my new-ish novel. Her book came out in March 2018, and And So We Die, Having First Slept came out in November 2018. I admit that a very big part of me wonders if I might have avoided my own brutal publishing backstory (found here). What would I have done differently?
Actually, this book compelled me to reach back even further. Farther? Further? Oh no. No wonder. How might I have done this writing life differently?
You should read it. I listened on audio, and I might "invest" (see how I'm using these words now?) in a hard copy to own and mark up. I think it was valuable in multiple ways, though--I guess I'll admit it--I sorta feel like my career is what it is, and that's all there is to it. I'm 49. I have three books. I've published traditionally and that other way. I go to AWP. I even lived in New York once!
I did start an author newsletter using mail chimp, based on her words. Also, I'm trying to hold back on my Facebook blasts promoting myself ad nauseum--which tend to result in absolutely no sales whatsoever and a severe case of self-loathing. That said, we recently got a kitten named Beesly (named after Pam Beesly in "The Office") and I just want to share a million photos of her all over social media.
I won't go over everything here. Just some stuff. In the beginning, she spends a lot of time talking about how writers resist business logistics, how often enough they coddle that image of the solitary rogue-of-an-artist, how they proudly declare that they want nothing to do with the mechanics of earning a living. I read it, and all I could say was, Oy.
She also speaks about how MFA programs often focus solely on the craft of literary fiction--not really looking at the business end. Again: Oy. (I loved my MFA program, and I loved focusing on craft. But. But. But.)
She also says that self-publishing may be problematic for literary fiction writers. Still: Oy.
And then there's the adjunct pay thing and the contracts that involve rights and how many words you get to quote without seeking permission. The epigraph to And So We Die, Having First Slept is the entirety of a Sappho poem. I asked no one for permission.
For my next book, I'll be talking to Bono.
Friedman's book is a crash course on the business. Good book!
To sign up for my newsletter (it's in the upper lefthand corner), go here: https://mailchi.mp/798144a5da7e/jenni...
To see my website, go here: https://www.jenniferspiegel.com
To see my blog, go here: http://www.boscosgoingdown.com
So many options: And So We Die, Having First Slept -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
What a trip it's been.
Even I've heard of her!
She's this writing/publishing guru with columns in great journals and lectures on getting a life and organizations she's founded and sites for writer-types to visit and books that she's written and savvy to demonstrate . . . you get the picture.
True, I only just became aware of this book: The Business of Being A Writer. It's too bad for me that I didn't read this before the publication of my new-ish novel. Her book came out in March 2018, and And So We Die, Having First Slept came out in November 2018. I admit that a very big part of me wonders if I might have avoided my own brutal publishing backstory (found here). What would I have done differently?
Actually, this book compelled me to reach back even further. Farther? Further? Oh no. No wonder. How might I have done this writing life differently?
You should read it. I listened on audio, and I might "invest" (see how I'm using these words now?) in a hard copy to own and mark up. I think it was valuable in multiple ways, though--I guess I'll admit it--I sorta feel like my career is what it is, and that's all there is to it. I'm 49. I have three books. I've published traditionally and that other way. I go to AWP. I even lived in New York once!
I did start an author newsletter using mail chimp, based on her words. Also, I'm trying to hold back on my Facebook blasts promoting myself ad nauseum--which tend to result in absolutely no sales whatsoever and a severe case of self-loathing. That said, we recently got a kitten named Beesly (named after Pam Beesly in "The Office") and I just want to share a million photos of her all over social media.
I won't go over everything here. Just some stuff. In the beginning, she spends a lot of time talking about how writers resist business logistics, how often enough they coddle that image of the solitary rogue-of-an-artist, how they proudly declare that they want nothing to do with the mechanics of earning a living. I read it, and all I could say was, Oy.
She also speaks about how MFA programs often focus solely on the craft of literary fiction--not really looking at the business end. Again: Oy. (I loved my MFA program, and I loved focusing on craft. But. But. But.)
She also says that self-publishing may be problematic for literary fiction writers. Still: Oy.
And then there's the adjunct pay thing and the contracts that involve rights and how many words you get to quote without seeking permission. The epigraph to And So We Die, Having First Slept is the entirety of a Sappho poem. I asked no one for permission.
For my next book, I'll be talking to Bono.
Friedman's book is a crash course on the business. Good book!
To sign up for my newsletter (it's in the upper lefthand corner), go here: https://mailchi.mp/798144a5da7e/jenni...
To see my website, go here: https://www.jenniferspiegel.com
To see my blog, go here: http://www.boscosgoingdown.com
So many options: And So We Die, Having First Slept -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
What a trip it's been.
February 10, 2021
A solid overview of the industry and where writers fit within it. A must-read for writers and those who work with them.
April 23, 2018
Get the Wisdom and Experienced Insights Throughout This Book
Jane Friedman is an experienced editor and writer and a keen observer of the business aspects of publishing. She has seen firsthand what is working and what is not. With THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER, Friedman pours her insights into the pages of this well-crafted book.
Many writers ignore the business aspects of publishing—to their own detriment. As Friedman writes in the introduction: “Here’s the biggest danger, if there is one: Business concerns can distract from getting actual writing done and can even become a pleasurable means of avoiding the work altogether. No one avoids writing like writers. Producing the best work possible is hard and focusing on agents, social media marketing or conference-going feels easier. Writers may trick themselves into thinking that developing their business acumen, they improving as writers—but all the business acumen in the world can’t make up for inferior writing.” (Page 10-11)
A broad range of topics is tackled in these pages for various aspects of the publishing world. I hope this book will become a favorite reference book for many writers to learn and apply to their craft.
As I read this book, I found many aspects to highlight and return for study. Here’s another example from Chapter 21: “To establish a full-time living from your writing, it’s essential to learn basic marketing principles. There is something of a formula, and it looks like this: the right message + the right words + the right audience = success! Typically the biggest missing piece for writers (and publishers too) is the right audience. That’s partly because of the continuing belief that good art means not thinking about audience. While you may tune out market concerns during the creative process, once that process is over and it comes to the business of writing and publishing, there’s no way around the discussion of audience. If you can’t reach an audience, your career will stall. And to reach an audience, you first have to develop some idea of who they are.” (Page 195)
THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER is packed with such insights. I highly recommend you get this book, read it—but more importantly apply the information to your writing life.
Jane Friedman is an experienced editor and writer and a keen observer of the business aspects of publishing. She has seen firsthand what is working and what is not. With THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER, Friedman pours her insights into the pages of this well-crafted book.
Many writers ignore the business aspects of publishing—to their own detriment. As Friedman writes in the introduction: “Here’s the biggest danger, if there is one: Business concerns can distract from getting actual writing done and can even become a pleasurable means of avoiding the work altogether. No one avoids writing like writers. Producing the best work possible is hard and focusing on agents, social media marketing or conference-going feels easier. Writers may trick themselves into thinking that developing their business acumen, they improving as writers—but all the business acumen in the world can’t make up for inferior writing.” (Page 10-11)
A broad range of topics is tackled in these pages for various aspects of the publishing world. I hope this book will become a favorite reference book for many writers to learn and apply to their craft.
As I read this book, I found many aspects to highlight and return for study. Here’s another example from Chapter 21: “To establish a full-time living from your writing, it’s essential to learn basic marketing principles. There is something of a formula, and it looks like this: the right message + the right words + the right audience = success! Typically the biggest missing piece for writers (and publishers too) is the right audience. That’s partly because of the continuing belief that good art means not thinking about audience. While you may tune out market concerns during the creative process, once that process is over and it comes to the business of writing and publishing, there’s no way around the discussion of audience. If you can’t reach an audience, your career will stall. And to reach an audience, you first have to develop some idea of who they are.” (Page 195)
THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER is packed with such insights. I highly recommend you get this book, read it—but more importantly apply the information to your writing life.
May 30, 2018
This book puts into one smart package so much you need to know about making writing a business. And it lays out exactly why writing *should* and *can* be a business, if you want it to be that way.
Art has the capacity to do so much in such a fractured time, but this importance is only underscored by our current climate. If the artists that we know can heal rifts aren't getting paid for it, then we're doing something wrong.
I'm a graduate of a prestigious publishing course. And I wish this were around as a supplement to the materials we had when we were learning.
I liked this book so much that I'm writing a series of blog posts to go along as Friedman's commentary and lessons evokes things I learned in my own publishing career. As a longtime working writer, so much of what she said resonated--and reinforces my desire to continue to encourage folks to try and make a living from this thing people insist on calling an art, a passion, "just a thing I love" over calling it a business.
Go get this book, no matter where you are in your writing career. Or if you're just *thinking* about becoming a writer. Go get it. You can make a career out of this thing. Friedman tells you how.
Art has the capacity to do so much in such a fractured time, but this importance is only underscored by our current climate. If the artists that we know can heal rifts aren't getting paid for it, then we're doing something wrong.
I'm a graduate of a prestigious publishing course. And I wish this were around as a supplement to the materials we had when we were learning.
I liked this book so much that I'm writing a series of blog posts to go along as Friedman's commentary and lessons evokes things I learned in my own publishing career. As a longtime working writer, so much of what she said resonated--and reinforces my desire to continue to encourage folks to try and make a living from this thing people insist on calling an art, a passion, "just a thing I love" over calling it a business.
Go get this book, no matter where you are in your writing career. Or if you're just *thinking* about becoming a writer. Go get it. You can make a career out of this thing. Friedman tells you how.
June 17, 2018
Jane Friedman's book, The Business of Being A Writer, should be required reading in all MFA, Creative Writing, Journalism, etc classes. It should be given out to each person who submits a book proposal or manuscript for the first time.
Art and commerce are both required in order to earn money as a writer, yet most degree programs and books about writing focus on the craft rather than on the business of marketing and selling books.
Friedman gets down to the brass tacks and shares what writers typically earn per book which should become common knowledge before attempting to publish. Authors have to be great marketers and can't view marketing as someone else's responsibility.
Friedman also dissects what "platform" really means and how to effectively and consistently build a platform that highlights your voice and style.
The best chapter is the last chapter---How Writers Make Money.
This book is a must read for all aspiring writers!
Art and commerce are both required in order to earn money as a writer, yet most degree programs and books about writing focus on the craft rather than on the business of marketing and selling books.
Friedman gets down to the brass tacks and shares what writers typically earn per book which should become common knowledge before attempting to publish. Authors have to be great marketers and can't view marketing as someone else's responsibility.
Friedman also dissects what "platform" really means and how to effectively and consistently build a platform that highlights your voice and style.
The best chapter is the last chapter---How Writers Make Money.
This book is a must read for all aspiring writers!
September 18, 2018
Can't complain; I read the majority and it was majority spot-on. For general purposes, this book is kind of a must. Friedman manages to cover a huge amount of territory. (The vastness of publishing means she doesn't have time for anything more than a cursory wave toward genre fiction. Anything to do with short stories/magazines/journals is almost exclusively to do with litfic, which is a very special place compared to sf/f, for example, so bear that in mind.)
January 23, 2019
Never has a book shattered so many of my imaginary futures, dreams, and romantacized fantasies as this one. Jane Friedman cuts to the chase and explains the realities of today's publishing industry and by doing so sets the expectations that all aspiring writers should begin their careers with.
Highly recommended as a starting point for all budding writers.
Highly recommended as a starting point for all budding writers.
March 19, 2018
This is the most well-articulated and comprehensive guide to the business of the writer’s life that I have ever read. It’s all here. I will be assigning this in classes from now on. A must-read for anyone navigating the business of a life in writing.
April 7, 2018
Definitely a good guide for both beginning and experienced writers who want to grok the business. The whole publishing world can be so intimidating, but Friedman really de-mystifies things and breaks them down. If you have any anxiety about this stuff, get this book, cuz it'll help.
February 13, 2021
Wow, this is comprehensive! I don’t think I’ve encountered a book that’s so clear about the realities of the writing and publishing industry. This is a must-have resource for newbie and veteran writers alike.
June 4, 2018
Excellent resource for anyone wanting to earn a living as a writer. Rich with current information, wisdom, and solid advice.
November 20, 2019
An exceptional and well put together guide to turning your writing career into a success. This book is packed with so many insights, tips, etc., that it's hard to keep it all in your head, and a good reason mine is dog-eared, full of pencil underlines and covered in sticky tabs! It's basically a textbook for your writing career - a not-to-be-overlooked/underestimated/ignored textbook.
I highly recommend this informative and super useful book to anyone who has even thought about the prospect of being a writer - whether you want to be self published, traditionally published writers/authors, freelance writers, editors or any of the other professions related to writing. There is advice, information and more for all of us.
What are you waiting for? Go get this book, now!
I highly recommend this informative and super useful book to anyone who has even thought about the prospect of being a writer - whether you want to be self published, traditionally published writers/authors, freelance writers, editors or any of the other professions related to writing. There is advice, information and more for all of us.
What are you waiting for? Go get this book, now!
June 20, 2020
A great book with a ton of resources for writers! I’ll definitely be getting my own copy in the near future. Skimmed a lot toward the end of the book just because the information didn’t apply to the business model I want personally, but I feel like a lot of writers will find every aspect of this book resourceful. Highly recommend!
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